Obituary for Diana Kathryn Fraser
On Wednesday, November 30, 2022, Diana Kathryn Fraser of Acton, Massachusetts, passed away at the age of 81. In early November, she and her family were saddened to learn that she had Stage IV lung cancer. A few short weeks later, she contracted Covid-19 which severely impacted her health. She surrendered to God’s will regarding her diagnosis, demonstrating no fear of death, but rather concern for others until the end. She passed as she wanted, peacefully and naturally.
Diana is survived by her loving husband of 59 years, Dr. James (Jim) C. Fraser, her daughter and son-in-law Vanessa and Oleg Volinsky, her son Neil Fraser, and grandchildren Zachary and Sarah Volinsky, as well as many extended family members and loving friends.
Diana was born August 22, 1941 in Downey, California. and lived most of her early life in Playa del Rey, California. She attended Westchester High School where she met the love of her life, her husband Jim. In 1964 she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Cal Poly Pamona at a time when very few women were in scientific fields.
Diana and Jim started their family in 1970 while still in the Los Angeles area. When her children were small, she began working in the public school system as a special education teacher. This allowed her to teach, which she loved, and to be home for her children after school. Over the years, the family would move to New Mexico, Northern Virginia, and eventually the Boston area to be closer to their children and grandchildren.
Diana was actively involved in her church community at Presbyterian Church in Sudbury, her second home. She chaired the Hospitality Committee, and served as an ordained Deacon for many years. She loved music as an expression of her faith and was a devoted member of the choir. Her greatest passion at the church was The Outdoor Church. This ministry hosts an outdoor church service and lunch for the homeless community in Cambridge, Massachusetts every weekend. Over the years, Diana personally made thousands of sandwiches for this program. Honoring her life by supporting this ministry would make her so very happy.
Diana was a classical music lover, especially that of the baroque era. For over 50 years, Diana and Jim attended and were active supporters of the annual JS Bach Music festival in Carmel, California. The Saint Matthew Passion was a particular favorite of hers. Diana also accompanied Jim to many events and gatherings for the Emily Dickinson International Society. So much so that she eventually became a member herself and was a beloved friend of the community.
For many years, Diana was a volunteer at the Acton Public Library as a Friend of the Acton Libraries member. She was an avid reader and loved a good mystery novel. One of her favorite authors was Sue Grafton. She spent many hours in her comfy red leather chair in the study reading book after book, and was always encouraging others to explore the magic of books.
Above all else, Diana was a loving wife, mother, and friend. In the days since her passing, her family has heard from people in all areas of her life about how wonderfully sweet and caring she was, always thinking of the needs of others. She will truly be missed by many.
A memorial service will be held at Presbyterian Church in Sudbury at 330 Concord Road,
Sudbury on Monday, December 19th.
10:00 - 11:00 a.m. Visitation with Family
11:00 a.m. Memorial Service – Hybrid
Zoom link: https://zoom.us/j/81353798041?pwd=Q2VqUTNWeDl0blQ3YzFjSXNZTVR1dz09
Phone number: 1-929-205-6099 ID: 813 5379 8041# Passcode: 407317
Luncheon immediately following the service in the PCIS Fellowship Hall
Donations in honor of Diana can be made to the Ministry of The Outdoor Church. These gifts can be made through the PCIS website.
https://pcsudbury.org/
Please go to the "In Memoriam" section of the PCIS website
in order to donate to The Outdoor Church in memory of Diana
May her memory be a blessing to us all.
Diana is survived by her loving husband of 59 years, Dr. James (Jim) C. Fraser, her daughter and son-in-law Vanessa and Oleg Volinsky, her son Neil Fraser, and grandchildren Zachary and Sarah Volinsky, as well as many extended family members and loving friends.
Diana was born August 22, 1941 in Downey, California. and lived most of her early life in Playa del Rey, California. She attended Westchester High School where she met the love of her life, her husband Jim. In 1964 she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Cal Poly Pamona at a time when very few women were in scientific fields.
Diana and Jim started their family in 1970 while still in the Los Angeles area. When her children were small, she began working in the public school system as a special education teacher. This allowed her to teach, which she loved, and to be home for her children after school. Over the years, the family would move to New Mexico, Northern Virginia, and eventually the Boston area to be closer to their children and grandchildren.
Diana was actively involved in her church community at Presbyterian Church in Sudbury, her second home. She chaired the Hospitality Committee, and served as an ordained Deacon for many years. She loved music as an expression of her faith and was a devoted member of the choir. Her greatest passion at the church was The Outdoor Church. This ministry hosts an outdoor church service and lunch for the homeless community in Cambridge, Massachusetts every weekend. Over the years, Diana personally made thousands of sandwiches for this program. Honoring her life by supporting this ministry would make her so very happy.
Diana was a classical music lover, especially that of the baroque era. For over 50 years, Diana and Jim attended and were active supporters of the annual JS Bach Music festival in Carmel, California. The Saint Matthew Passion was a particular favorite of hers. Diana also accompanied Jim to many events and gatherings for the Emily Dickinson International Society. So much so that she eventually became a member herself and was a beloved friend of the community.
For many years, Diana was a volunteer at the Acton Public Library as a Friend of the Acton Libraries member. She was an avid reader and loved a good mystery novel. One of her favorite authors was Sue Grafton. She spent many hours in her comfy red leather chair in the study reading book after book, and was always encouraging others to explore the magic of books.
Above all else, Diana was a loving wife, mother, and friend. In the days since her passing, her family has heard from people in all areas of her life about how wonderfully sweet and caring she was, always thinking of the needs of others. She will truly be missed by many.
A memorial service will be held at Presbyterian Church in Sudbury at 330 Concord Road,
Sudbury on Monday, December 19th.
10:00 - 11:00 a.m. Visitation with Family
11:00 a.m. Memorial Service – Hybrid
Zoom link: https://zoom.us/j/81353798041?pwd=Q2VqUTNWeDl0blQ3YzFjSXNZTVR1dz09
Phone number: 1-929-205-6099 ID: 813 5379 8041# Passcode: 407317
Luncheon immediately following the service in the PCIS Fellowship Hall
Donations in honor of Diana can be made to the Ministry of The Outdoor Church. These gifts can be made through the PCIS website.
https://pcsudbury.org/
Please go to the "In Memoriam" section of the PCIS website
in order to donate to The Outdoor Church in memory of Diana
May her memory be a blessing to us all.